For a guitar player of any level, meeting the challenge to compose your own music is a very intriguing one. It can be incredibly rewarding if you get it right, and it’s a great buzz being able to write music on the instrument that you love.

When you play the guitar, if you are reading from a book, then sometimes you can feel like a robot – you are simply obeying the instructions of another. Writing your own music, however, gives you more freedom and creativity when it comes to playing. Whatever you have in mind, whether it’s a gentle instrumental piece or even writing your own music, it’s a wonderfully creative process that will encourage your ability to understand the rhythms and sounds that you hear every day.

Music, by definition, is meant to be free-flowing and creative – not just in the notes themselves but in creating emotional responses from the listener. There is no magic formula for songwriting, and that is one of the reasons why it is such an exciting process.

Despite the absence of the magic formula, there are a number of tips and techniques that you can learn in order to create your own music on the guitar:

·    Think of a noun or an adjective (for example ‘snow’) and think of how you would represent ‘snow’ musically on your guitar. Think of what snow conjures up visually, and then play what you see. You will probably start out with a few notes and mistimed chords, but keep at it.
·    Next, try some other words like rain or sadness. Find some way of representing these words in your own way. It doesn’t mean that it has to mean the same thing to others – music is at its best when it can be interpreted in different ways. Play around with the notes – you’ll soon find a finger-picking motion that you like.
·    When it comes to writing lyrics to go with your music, there are two approaches: write the music and then apply the words, or write the words and wrap the music around them. Both are equally valid – what works for one may be difficult for another. Take a look at your particular songwriting style and choose a method that best works for you.

If you’re still struggling, take a look at these more simplified steps:

·    Experiment with some chords that you are familiar with (like G or E) and see what happens.
·    Move your fingers to different strings, keeping one finger in place at the same time.
·    Make sure you are listening to the sound produced both when you strum as well as the individual notes.
·    As soon as you hear something you like, make sure you commit it to memory by playing it over and over again.
·    Now you have the starting point of your song – this first series of notes will evolve – build around them.

It doesn’t matter if you sing complete nonsense, or the first things that come into your mind – this is all part of the creative process. When it comes to songwriting on your guitar, one of the most important things to remember is to relax and enjoy it. Sooner or later you will stumble on a chord (or a chord variation) that you like the sound of, or a lyric that you find particularly suitable. As soon as you do, write it down, and play around with it.

Looking back over time, some of the most beautiful and emotive songs have emerged from collaborations between two or more musicians. Also, a musically-minded friend can give you some great feedback on how things are progressing.

 

Copyright 2009 Liam Gibson (Stage Guitarist)

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Filed under: Acoustic Guitar • Bluegrass Lyrics • Bluegrass Music • Bluegrass Musicians • Bluegrass Tablature • Dobro • Fiddle • Mandolin

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